Hanford Boy, 12, Arrested After Taking Family Van to Drive to Sacramento, Causing Chase

Posted on August 15, 2022

A 12-year-old was behind the wheel after causing a deputy chase, attempting to drive to Sacramento from Hanford. (Photo: Fresno County Sheriff’s Office)

MENDOTA, CA (KMJ/FOX26) – A 12-year-old boy from Hanford was arrested after he led deputies on a high-speed chase with a stolen mini-van near Riverdale.

Deputies with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office were in the area when a large cloud of dust caught their attention.

According to a resident a mini-van hit an ad sign and drove away. When deputies caught up to the vehicle, turns out a 12-year-old was behind the wheel.

The teen evaded the traffic stop, drove dangerously at high speed, ran stop signs, and even drove on the opposite side of the road.

Spike strips were set up but somehow the teen was able to evade them. A sergeant trying to set up the strips, deputies say was almost struck by the oncoming vehicle.

The teen eventually hit one of the strips and deflated one of the tires near Santa Fe County Rd. and American Ave. between Mendota and Tranquility.

Deputies learned the boy took his family’s van and intended to drive to Sacramento where he used to live.

He is now booked into Juvenile Hall and no injuries were reported due to this incident.

by Ishshah Padilla/KMPH FOX26

Filed Under: KMJ Top Stories, Local News